Screening for Hypertension

The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.

Screening Tests

Blood Pressure Check

A blood pressure reading measures the amount of pressure in the artery when the heart is pumping (systolic) and at rest (diastolic). This test is quick and painless. A blood pressure cuff is placed around your arm. Air is pumped into the cuff and released while a healthcare professional listens with a stethoscope.
Screening for hypertension is easy and done routinely. Blood pressure checks can be done easily in your doctor’s office by a nurse, in some pharmacies, or at home if you buy a blood pressure machine.

Screening Guidelines

The American Heart Association recommends having your blood pressure checked regularly starting at age 20. If your blood pressure is within normal limits, you can have it checked every two years. If you have a higher risk of hypertension or if your blood pressure is near the top of the normal range your doctor may recommend more frequent measurements.

If the reading is high, your doctor will likely recheck it. One high blood pressure reading does not necessarily mean that you have
hypertension. Talk to your doctor about how often your blood pressure should be checked.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

How can high blood pressure be prevented? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
website. Available at:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbp/prevention.html.
Updated August 2, 2012. Accessed February 28, 2014.